Where is the Eucharist in Scripture?

The Eucharist is rooted in Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, his teaching in John 6, and Paul’s instructions to the early Church.

John 6 gives the promise

After feeding the crowd, Jesus says:

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:54–58)

He also speaks of remaining in him, and he in us (John 6:54–58). The Catechism connects this teaching with the Eucharist Jesus institutes at the Last Supper ([CCC 1338](lookup:CCC 1338)). Catholics read these passages together: Christ gives himself as the food of eternal life.

Jesus gives his Body and Blood

At the Last Supper, Jesus takes bread, calls it his body given for his disciples, and tells them to repeat this in memory of him (Luke 22:19). Over the cup, he speaks of the new covenant in his blood (Luke 22:20).

He gives his disciples a meal to celebrate, with his own Body and Blood at its center.

Paul shows the Church receiving it

Paul calls the cup a “participation in the blood of Christ” and the bread a “participation in the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:16). He also passes on Jesus’ words at the Last Supper and warns against receiving unworthily (1 Corinthians 11:23–29).

These passages belong together. Christians differ in interpreting them, but Catholics understand the Eucharist as Christ truly giving his Body and Blood, not only a reminder of him ([CCC 1374](lookup:CCC 1374)).